Torah Portion Toldot – The Power of Blessing
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Torah: Genesis 25:19-28:9
Haftarah: I Samuel 20:18-42
Besorah: John 3:1-21
Cheshvan 29, 5785 | November 30, 2024
Shalom Chaverim (Friends)!
This week’s Torah portion, Toldot (Genesis 25:19–28:9), invites us to explore the transformative power of blessing. Blessings in the Bible aren’t just nice words—they’re declarations with spiritual authority, carrying the weight of God’s purposes and promises. In this portion, we see how blessings shape destinies, influence generations, and challenge us to consider how we use our words and actions to build up others.
As we journey through the Torah, Haftarah, and Besorah portions this week, let’s dive into the stories, reflect on their lessons, and see how the power of blessing can transform our lives today.
You can download a printable copy of this portion along with study and reflection questions at the end of this post!
Torah Portion Toldot: Genesis 25:19–28:9
Understanding the Portion
The story begins with the birth of twins, Jacob and Esau. Even before their arrival, God tells Rebekah:
“Two nations are in your womb… the older shall serve the younger”
Genesis 25:23, TLV
This prophecy sets the stage for their complicated relationship.
As they grow, their personalities diverge. Esau is a man of the field, impulsive and focused on the present, while Jacob is more thoughtful and reflective. One pivotal moment occurs when Esau, returning from hunting and famished, sells his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew.
Esau disregards the long-term value of his inheritance for the immediate satisfaction of food, saying:
“Look, I’m about to die. Of whatever use is this to me—a birthright?”
Genesis 25:32, TLV
Now, of course Esau was not about to die. I am guessing he was simply “hangry”. I mean, I have been so hungry that it FELT like I would die (anyone who has fasted for Yom Kippur can relate!). Esau’s feelings of hunger got the best of him.
This moment reveals a key lesson: the dangers of instant gratification. Esau’s decision shows how prioritizing immediate desires over long-term blessings can lead to regret. Jacob, though crafty in his approach, values the covenant promises tied to the birthright. He understands the spiritual significance of what Esau treats lightly.
Later in the portion, Jacob, with Rebekah’s guidance, receives Isaac’s blessing in Esau’s place. Isaac’s blessing over Jacob is profound, filled with promises of abundance, protection, and leadership. This blessing, once spoken, is irrevocable, highlighting its power and permanence.
Esau’s anguish at losing the blessing underscores how words of blessing carry weight far beyond the moment—they shape destinies and cannot be undone.
A Little Nugget: Instant Gratification vs. Lasting Blessing
The Hebrew word for blessing is berachah (בְּרָכָה), which comes from the root barach (בָּרַךְ), meaning “to kneel.” This connection reminds us that blessings flow from a posture of humility and submission before God.
Esau’s choice to trade his bekorah (בְּכוֹרָה)—his birthright—for a bowl of stew reveals how little he valued the long-term spiritual significance of his inheritance.
In contrast, Jacob’s desire for the birthright, though pursued through questionable means, reflects his understanding of the weight and holiness of God’s covenantal blessings.
This week, reflect on where in your life you may be tempted to prioritize fleeting desires over the lasting impact of God’s berachah in your life.
Application: Choosing What Matters Most
Esau’s story warns us about the dangers of focusing only on the “now.” Are there areas in your life where you’re choosing what feels good in the moment over what’s truly meaningful? This week, reflect on how you can prioritize God’s long-term plans and blessings over fleeting desires.
Haftarah: I Samuel 20:18-42
Understanding the Portion
In the Haftarah, we see another story of covenant and blessing through the bond between Jonathan and David. Jonathan, King Saul’s son, has every reason to claim the throne for himself. Yet he recognizes God’s anointing on David and chooses to align himself with God’s plan.
This portion recounts the moment when Jonathan helps David escape Saul’s wrath. Before they part, Jonathan speaks words of blessing and renewal over their covenant, saying:
“May Adonai be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever”
1 Samuel 20:42, TLV
Jonathan’s blessing is an act of selflessness and faith. He values God’s will over personal ambition and uses his influence to protect and uphold God’s anointed. Their covenant demonstrates the enduring power of relationships rooted in faith and trust in God.
A Little Nugget: Covenant Blessings in Hebrew
The Hebrew word for covenant, brit (בְּרִית), signifies a binding agreement. In Jewish thought, a brit is more than a contract—it’s a sacred bond, often sealed with a promise or blessing. Jonathan and David’s brit reminds us that blessings are not just about words but about the commitments and actions that flow from them.
Application: Being a Blessing in Relationships
Jonathan’s loyalty to David shows the power of blessing others through our actions. This week, think about the relationships in your life. How can you show faithfulness, selflessness, and encouragement to those God has placed in your path?
Besorah: John 3:1-21
Understanding the Portion
In the Besorah, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, comes to Yeshua at night, seeking answers about His teachings. Yeshua reveals a profound truth:
“Unless one is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God”
John 3:3, TLV
This conversation introduces the ultimate blessing: eternal life through faith in Yeshua. Yeshua explains that just as Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that all who believe in Him may have life. This culminates in the powerful declaration:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”
John 3:16, TLV
The blessing of salvation is the greatest gift we can receive. It’s not earned but freely given, reflecting the depth of God’s love and His desire for us to walk in relationship with Him.
A Little Nugget: Being Born Again – A Spiritual Rebirth
The phrase “born from above” (Greek: anothen) carries the idea of a spiritual renewal—a new beginning in God. This rebirth isn’t about physical change but a transformation of the heart, where we become vessels of His Spirit and blessings to others.
Application: Sharing the Blessing of Eternal Life
Yeshua’s words remind us of the responsibility to share the blessings we’ve received. Who in your life needs to hear about God’s love and the gift of eternal life? How can you live in a way that reflects the joy and hope of being “born again”?
Connecting the Readings: The Power of Blessing
In the Torah, Haftarah, and Besorah portions, we see the power of blessings to shape lives and destinies. From Isaac’s blessing over Jacob to Jonathan’s covenant with David and Yeshua’s promise of eternal life, blessings remind us of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and love.
Blessings are more than words—they are commitments, acts of faith, and declarations of God’s purposes. This week, reflect on how you can be a blessing in your words, actions, and relationships, carrying forward the legacy of faith and love.
Reflection Questions
- Esau sold his birthright for stew, prioritizing the moment over the future. Are there areas where you’re tempted to trade lasting blessings for instant gratification?
- Jonathan’s loyalty to David shows how blessings can flow through selfless relationships. How can you strengthen your bonds with others through encouragement and faith?
- Yeshua offers the ultimate blessing of eternal life. How does this gift shape your understanding of God’s love and your purpose in life?
- What steps can you take this week to speak words of blessing and encouragement to those around you?
- Are there blessings in your life that you’ve taken for granted? How can you cultivate gratitude for God’s provision and promises?
Hebrew Lesson for the Week: Bet (בּ) and Vet (ב)
This week, we’re diving into Bet (בּ), the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and its counterpart, Vet (ב). These two forms of the same letter teach us about the intricacies of Hebrew pronunciation and meaning.
The Basics of Bet (בּ) and Vet (ב)
Bet (בּ) Vet (ב)
- Bet (בּ): Pronounced like the English “B”, as in B’reishit (בְּרֵאשִׁית), meaning “In the beginning.”
- Vet (ב): Pronounced like the English “V”, as in Avraham (אַבְרָהָם), meaning “Abraham.”
The key difference? Bet has a small dot in the middle, called a dagesh (דָּגֵשׁ), while Vet does not.
How to Recognize Them Visually
- Bet (בּ): The dagesh (dot) in the center acts like a button. It’s your clue to pronounce it as a “B.”
- Vet (ב): No dot means it’s a “V.”
So, when you see the letter ב, look closely:
- If you see a dagesh (בּ), it’s Bet (B).
- Without the dot (ב), it’s Vet (V).
How They Are Used in Hebrew Words
Here are examples of words with Bet (בּ) and Vet (ב) to practice:
- Bet (בּ):
- B’reishit (בְּרֵאשִׁית): In the beginning
- Baruch (בָּרוּךְ): Blessed
- Bayit (בַּיִת): House
- Vet (ב):
- Avraham (אַבְרָהָם): Abraham
- Ahavah (אַהֲבָה): Love
- Av (אָב): Father
Spiritual Meaning of Bet (בּ) and Vet (ב)
The letter Bet (בּ) begins the Torah with the word B’reishit (בְּרֵאשִׁית), symbolizing creation as a “house” for God’s presence. The open side of the Bet invites us into God’s world, while the dot reminds us that His presence fills all things.
Vet (ב), on the other hand, begins words like Ahavah (Love) and Av (Father), teaching us that God’s blessings and love are deeply personal and relational. Together, Bet (בּ) and Vet (ב) remind us that God dwells both in the grand story of creation and in the intimate spaces of our relationships.
A Fun Practice
Try finding words that use both forms! For example:
- B’reishit (בְּרֵאשִׁית): Begins with Bet (בּ).
- Ahavah (אַהֲבָה): Includes Vet (ב).
Practice saying these words out loud, paying attention to the dagesh and how it changes the sound of the letter.
By exploring Bet (בּ) and Vet (ב), we see the richness of Hebrew and its ability to connect us to God’s presence and love in profound ways. I hope this lesson inspires you to discover even more about God’s language and His blessings!
Hebrew Course
If you’re excited to dive deeper into the beauty of Hebrew, we offer a self-paced Hebrew class designed to help you grow in your understanding of this incredible language. The course is flexible and includes assistance whenever you need it, so you’re never on this journey alone. As a special bonus, use the code HEBREW24 at checkout to receive a discount and get started today!
For a printable version of this portion along with study and reflection questions, follow the link below!
Kids Videos on YouTube!!
We now have fun music videos for kids on YouTube where we have songs about different biblical traits AND about the Bible and God’s love that young children can listen to with video to go along with it! I would love it if you would check it out, like, subscribe and share so we can get more biblical teachings out there for kids!
Here is one of our latest videos!
If you would like more teachings or want to explore our courses, visit our Besorah Learning Center! I just added a whole bunch of new devotionals (including some FREE ones), including a set for teens!
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.
About Our Author
Diane Ferreira is a Jewish believer, wife, and mom, as well as a proud bulldog mom. She is currently pursuing her graduate degree in Jewish Studies at seminary, deepening her passion for Scripture and Jewish history. Diane writes with a heart to connect the rich traditions of her Jewish heritage with her faith in Yeshua, offering insights that inspire believers to grow in their walk with God. When she’s not studying or writing, Diane enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and crochet.